What is the Under 18 Care Program?

The Under 18 Care program provides a range of support to ensure the safety and wellbeing of Under 18 students whilst they are living in Sydney and studying with us at UNSW College.

Who is the Under 18 Care Program for?  

Our Under 18 Care Program is specifically designed for Under 18 international students who are living in Sydney without a parent or legal guardian and therefore have been issued with a Confirmation of Appropriate Accommodation and Welfare (CAAW).

What supports are offered to Under 18 students?

Accommodation Assistance: Under 18 students issued with CAAW can only stay in accommodation approved by UNSW College. However, if students are not satisfied with their current accommodation or are experiencing any issues, our Accommodation Team can assist in resolving those issues and if required, assisting with changing accommodation. 

After Hour Emergency Support: All Under 18 students can access support not only during business hours but also after hours. Students requiring emergency support after hours are advised to contact their accommodation provider emergency number. If the matter is serious, the accommodation provider will contact a member of Student Wellbeing Team who is on call so comprehensive support can be provided to the student in need.

Liaising with Parents: Student Wellbeing Advisers will liaise with parents regrading important matters related to student’s course progress and attendance as well as any health and welfare related issues as well as accommodation matters. Parents wishing to contact Student Wellbeing Advisers should email [email protected].

Regular Meetings with Student Wellbeing Advisers: During these meetings, Student Wellbeing Advisers will discuss with students all matters related to their studies, their health and wellbeing, social life and accommodation. These meetings are also an opportunity for students to ask any questions or raise any concerns they may have. Student Wellbeing Advisers can also refer students to other support services such as doctor or a counsellor. Student Wellbeing Advisers work closely with academic and student accommodation providers. 

Transition to UNSW Process: Under 18 students who remain under 18 at commencement of their UNSW program will be provided with assistance with planning for the gap between programs, securing approved accommodation for the commencement of University and providing students with information regarding any seminars they need to attend before commencing at UNSW as an Under 18 student.

Making a Complaint

At the College, we want every student to feel safe, respected, and supported. Sometimes, you might have a concern or feel unhappy about something that has happened at school. When this happens, you have the right to tell us – this is called making a complaint.

We take all complaints seriously and handle them with care and fairness. You will be treated with respect, and your information will be kept private.

Who You Can Talk To:

If you have a problem or wish to make a complaint, your first step could be speaking to a Student Wellbeing Adviser who will listen, ensure that you are feeling supported, will help you understand your options under the UNSW College Student Grievances and Complaints and Policy and can also connect you to other services which might be beneficial for you.

If you Want to Make a Complaint:

You have the following options:

  1. Complete the College online Complaint Form or
  2. Email: [email protected]

When you make a complaint, we will:

  1. Listen carefully and take your concerns seriously.
  2. Investigate what has happened in a fair and timely way.
  3. Keep you informed about the progress and feedback
  4. Make sure you have access to wellbeing support during the process.

If you are not satisfied with the outcome, you have the right to appeal the decision. The school will explain how the appeals process works and help you with this if needed.

You Are Safe to Speak Up

You will not get in trouble for making a complaint or raising a concern. We appreciate your feedback and want you to feel safe, supported, and respected during your time at the College.

Would you like more Information:

Please refer to the Student Guide to Complaints and Appeals available on our website.

Information on Support and Reporting Options for Gendered Violence

Creating a Safe and Respectful Community

At UNSW College, we are committed to building a safe, respectful, and inclusive community where every student can thrive.

 This means understanding what respectful behaviour looks like and taking action to prevent gendered violence.

We are dedicated to raising awareness, responding compassionately to disclosures, and providing specialist support to anyone affected by gendered violence, whether it happens on campus, online, or off campus.

What is Gendered Violence?

Gendered violence refers to any behaviour that causes harm, fear, or distress to a person because of their sex, gender, sexual orientation, or gender identity.

It can take many forms, including:

  • Sexual harassment or gendered harassment
  • Sexual assault
  • Relationship or family violence
  • Coercive or controlling behaviour

Examples of gendered violence include:

  • Asking intrusive or inappropriate questions about someone’s private life or sexuality
  • Making sexual or gender-based jokes or comments
  • Harassing someone because of their gender or sexual orientation
  • Staring, leering, or making unwanted sexual comments or gestures
  • Sharing or threatening to share sexual images without consent
  • Unwanted touching or sexual contact
  • Pressuring or coercing someone into sexual activity
  • Using threats, intimidation, or physical violence in a relationship
  • Controlling a partner’s movements, finances, or friendships
  • Isolating someone from their support network or harming their pets

Our Commitment to You

Your safety and wellbeing are our top priorities.

Gendered violence and all forms of sexual misconduct are never acceptable at UNSW College.

If you ever feel unsafe, uncomfortable, or unsure, please reach out for support.

Getting Support

If you’ve experienced gendered violence you can speak with our Student Wellbeing Team. They are trained in responding to gendered violence and can explain your options and provide tailored support.

Support is available on campus or off campus, and you can choose what feels right for you, whether that’s getting confidential advice, making a report, or just talking things through.

  • For immediate emergency assistance call Police, Ambulance, Fire (000) or
  • UNSW Security (9385 6666).
  • If you need to talk to someone right now contact the 24-hour service 1800 Respect (1800 737 732). 

Otherwise, you can:

  1. Talk to a Student Wellbeing Adviser who will listen to you, ensure your safety, provide wellbeing support, and discuss your options. To speak to a Student Wellbeing Adviser, you can:
    • Come into the Student Services on Level 1– you don’t have to have a prebooked appointment.
    • Email wellbeing team on: [email protected] or
    • Book an appointment by clicking here.
  1. Make a confidential report via the College Gendered Violence Online Portal. You can make a report yourself or ask your Student Wellbeing Adviser to help you.